Senior Principal Research Technician

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The Senior Principal Research Technician position is located at the Evonik Technology Center in Allentown and focuses on the growth of new products and applications in support of technology in the area of high-performance polyurethane coatings.

This role supports our Americas Vestanat initiatives by applying knowledge of organic and physical chemistry to conduct tests on the performance of different Vestanat products across various applications and systems, including highly chemical-resistant 2K and 1K systems, high Tg and fast-drying coatings, PCM applications, solvent-borne, water-borne, solvent-free (e.g., powder coatings), and more.

The individual must have excellent organizational, note-taking, observation, troubleshooting, and communication skills. This position includes responsibility for laboratory safety. They will report to an Application Chemist and is expected to work both independently and as part of a team with members of the regional and global Crosslinker team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leads technical data generation on both application and development projects assigned by AT Chemist.

• Works effectively in an unstructured environment – provides input to the planning process and then executes laboratory work in accordance with agreed to targets/milestones

• Solves problems as appropriate in area of expertise

• Applies and develops knowledge of test methodology in line with ASTM standards for coating applications.

• Develop additional in-house test capabilities to support technical developments at customers

• Recognizes when intermediate results are not achieving goals and can adjust accordingly

• Provide technical input to supervisor to propose changes additional testing and experimental work to ensure projects are advanced

• Ability to interpret test results and communicate key findings/conclusions for field performance applicable to customer or applications chemist

• Maintains accurate and thorough records of laboratory procedures and results; ensures compliance with Evonik standards, prepares technical reports on work conducted.

• Interacts with product/process R&D to exchange ideas, build up knowledge of process and transfer of information for scale up

• Uses and shares knowledge of specific coating applications and their respective performance requirements

• Acts as an additional secondary contact with coating customers for specific technical service requests

Demonstrates technical leadership in safety

• Demonstrates a high level of expertise in areas of safety and plays a lead role in group and departmental safety teams.

• Provides technical input in the writing of laboratory safe work practices

• Functions as a departmental resource for areas of expertise in safety

• Executes laboratory work in accordance with Evonik safety protocols and looks for new ways to improve the efficiency and organization of the laboratory

REQUIREMENTS

• Associate or Bachelor degree in Chemistry, Polymer/Material Science, or a related degree
• 3 years industrial experience with a proven track record in the area of applications and customer technical support preferred
• Excellent communication skills (written & verbal)
• Ability to work well in a cross functional team
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision
• Passion and desire for coatings technology and an ability to provide value added solutions to our customers